(n-dodecyl-n,n-dimethylammonio)undecanoate

Description

**(N-Dodecyl-N,N-dimethylammonio)undecanoate** is a complex organic molecule that falls into the category of **cationic surfactants**.

Here's a breakdown of its components and why it's important for research:

**Structure:**

* **N-Dodecyl:** This part refers to a 12-carbon chain (dodecyl) attached to a nitrogen atom (N).
* **N,N-dimethylammonio:** This indicates that the nitrogen atom is bonded to two methyl groups (CH3), giving it a positive charge (ammonio).
* **Undecanoate:** This is the anion part of the molecule, consisting of an 11-carbon chain (undecanoate) with a negative charge.

**Properties:**

* **Cationic surfactant:** This means it has a positively charged head group (ammonio) and a long hydrophobic tail (dodecyl). This dual nature allows it to interact with both polar (water) and nonpolar (lipids) environments.
* **Surface activity:** Its structure makes it effective at reducing surface tension and creating micelles, tiny spherical structures that can encapsulate other molecules.

**Importance in research:**

(N-Dodecyl-N,N-dimethylammonio)undecanoate has potential applications in a variety of fields, including:

* **Drug delivery:** Its ability to form micelles can be used to encapsulate and deliver drugs to specific targets within the body.
* **Nanomaterials:** It can be used to create self-assembled nanostructures with controlled size and shape.
* **Biotechnology:** Its surfactant properties can be utilized in processes like protein purification and cell lysis.
* **Cosmetics and personal care:** Its ability to modify surface tension and form emulsions makes it suitable for use in skincare products.
* **Industrial applications:** It can be used as a cleaning agent, emulsifier, or dispersant.

**Specific research applications:**

Researchers are investigating this compound for:

* **Enhancing drug delivery:** Studies focus on its ability to improve drug solubility, bioavailability, and targeted delivery to specific organs.
* **Controlling nanoparticle formation:** Its surfactant properties are being explored for manipulating the size and shape of nanoparticles in materials science and nanomedicine.
* **Developing new biocompatible materials:** Researchers are evaluating its use in developing biocompatible materials for biomedical applications, like tissue engineering and drug delivery.

**Overall, (N-Dodecyl-N,N-dimethylammonio)undecanoate's unique properties make it a valuable tool for researchers in various fields. Its ability to interact with both polar and nonpolar environments and its potential for drug delivery, nanomaterial fabrication, and other applications make it a promising candidate for future advancements.**

(N-dodecyl-N,N-dimethylammonio)undecanoic acid: used in extraction of mycoplasma membrane proteins; structure in first source [Medical Subject Headings (MeSH), National Library of Medicine, extracted Dec-2023]